AAA Indianapolis (34-38) lost to Lehigh Valley 5-4 on Thursday. Eric Hacker gave up 3 runs (4 earned) in 5 innings including 7 strikeouts. Donnie Veal then pitched 2 hitless innings. Jason Davis then blew the game by giving up a run in the last inning. Garrett Jones continued his tear by going 2 for 4 with his 12th home run, and his average is now up to .310. I would rather see him than Steve Pearce in the majors right now. Brian Myrow (our new first basemen in AAA) also had a homer.

AA Altoona (26-46) beat Erie 8-6 on Thursday. Michael Crotta gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. The hitting stars shined in this game. Pedro Alvarez went 2 for 4 and hit his second home run, a double, and 3 RBI’s. Jose Tabata went 2 for 5 in the game to raise his average to .258. After a bad start and an injury, Tabata has been on fire lately. Gorkys Hernandez went 3 for 4, finally getting some hits. Gorkys also had a stolen base in the game. Jeff Corsaletti also had a homer.

A Lynchburg was shut out on Thursday 6-0 against Myrtle Beach. Jeff Locke really pitched a gem in my mind. He went 7 innings (his longest outing), and only gave up 3 runs. The reason I am very pleased is because he did not walk a batter, which has been his weak spot. The Hillcats only had 2 hits in the game. One was by Ray Chang. I would like to point out that we pulled up Chase D’Arnaud to Lynchburg. Chase was our 4th round pick last year (right after Jordy Mercer). He was hitting .291 with 3 home runs and 17 stolen bases in West Virginia. I like him as more of a speedy shortstop, while Mercer has more power.